Clark County Health Department Reminds Residents to Be Vigilant of West Nile Virus
Monday, July 30th, 2018 -- 10:21 AM
-The Clark County Health Department reports that neighboring Chippewa and Marathon Counties have confirmed positive non-human cases of West Nile virus. No positive cases of West Nile Virus have been identified in Clark County yet, this year.The positive cases in neighboring counties mean that residents of Clark County need to be more careful in protecting themselves from mosquito bites all year long. Residents should also be more diligent about eliminating potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
It is important that Clark County residents are aware of the West Nile virus. A few simple steps can prevent mosquito bites ??" the most effective are reducing exposure to mosquitoes and eliminating the breeding grounds for these mosquitoes.
The Clark County Health Department recommends the following:
• Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk ??" times when mosquitoes are most active.
• Apply insect repellant to clothing and exposed skin ??" mosquitoes can bite through clothing
• Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry.
• Properly dispose of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
• Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
• Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats, and canoes when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs and drain water from the covers.
• Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
• Landscape to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. Approximately four out of five people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick. Those who do become ill usually experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache, rash, and fatigue. Less than 1% of people infected with the virus may have symptoms that include high fever, muscle weakness, stiff neck, disorientation, confusion, tremors, paralysis, or coma. Older adults and anyone with a compromised immune system are at greater risk of developing central nervous system illnesses that can be fatal.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has monitored the spread of West Nile virus since 2001 among wild birds, horses, mosquitoes, and people. During 2002, the state documented its first human infection ??" 52 cases were reported that year. In 2015, 9 cases of West Nile virus were reported in Wisconsin residents. West Nile virus infections in humans have been reported from June through October; however, most reported becoming ill with West Nile virus in August and September.
The Wisconsin Division of Public Health will continue surveillance for West Nile virus until the end of the mosquito season. The Clark County Health Department will continue to collect sick or dead crows, blue jays or ravens until a confirmed presence of mosquitos that carry West Nile Virus is identified. If a dead crow, blue jay or raven is found please contact the Clark County Health Department at 715-743-5112. Further, additional questions can be directed to the Dead Bird Reporting Hotline at 1-800-433-1610.
For more information on West Nile virus: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/ArboviralDiseases/WestNileVirus/Index.htm
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.